Construction Material Testing and Environmental Support Services for Convention Center Expansion Project

The City of Raleigh is requesting qualifications for construction materials testing and special inspection services, and environmental investigation, monitoring, and construction-phase environmental compliance services for the Raleigh Convention Center Expansion, with submittals due August 24, 2026, and a pre-submittal conference scheduled for August 3.

Proposers may submit qualifications for either scope individually or for both scopes, with each scope evaluated separately. The expansion is approximately 322,646 gross square feet and will be constructed at the current Red Hat Amphitheater location (500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina) with three floors containing multiple meeting rooms, flex halls, administrative spaces, and other facilities. Construction is anticipated to commence in November 2026 and last approximately 36 months. The contract term will be defined by a completion date to be stated in the executed contract.

Proposers must hold NC-registered professional engineers for materials testing scope and licensed geologists or professional engineers for environmental services scope. ASTM-approved and NCDEQ-certified laboratories are required where applicable. All proposers must demonstrate financial stability through audited or reviewed financial statements, compiled financial statements with supporting evidence, or a certified statement from a licensed CPA verifying financial viability, and must provide a minimum of three references from similar projects completed within the past five to seven years.

Pricing is governed by North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143, Article 3D (the Mini-Brooks Act), and price will not be a determining factor in contractor selection. Proposers must submit hourly rate schedules in a separate sealed envelope. Evaluation will focus on qualifications, experience, financial stability, project understanding, approach, and team capabilities. Written questions are due August 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, with City responses anticipated by August 10. Interviews and award notification are expected within two weeks of the due date, with selection announcement anticipated on or before September 18, 2026.